NSW Australian Athletes - John Maclean

Athlete Profile: week two

For most people who are fortunate enough to make an Australian Rowing Team, it is the highest sporting achievement of their lives. However that’s not necessarily the case with NSW athlete John Maclean, who swam across the English Chanel, sailed the Sydney to Hobart, participated in the Hawaiian Ironman, and was a 1500m-wheelchair finalist in the Sydney Olympics. It seems that adding ‘Beijing rowing hopeful’ to the list wouldn’t even make an indent, although it’s his so-far unattained Olympic gold medal that he is after. Possibly one of the most talented athletes to be named as part of the Team this year, John is an amazing all-round athlete who reminds us that those dreading the Selection regatta should try the deadly Sydney to Hobart, or that those complaining about 2000m of rowing should try the twelve and a half hours of pain called a (fast) Ironman. 

 

John Maclean and coach Pedro Albisser

After reading your lists of achievements, I am almost lost for words. Why have you pursued rowing?
I’m enjoying the new challenge.

You were named in the adaptive LTA double with Kathryn Ross. Can you explain the requirements for this category?

The MTA Mixed Trunk & Arms is made up of one male & one female who cannot use a regular sliding seat due to some lower leg impairment. We both use a fixed sit & pivot from our hips working on our trunk & arms to propel the boat.

Kathryn is based in Victoria and you in New South Wales. Has she had to move to be here with you and Pedro?

Kathryn is looking to move to Penrith in early June to train under Pedro & to give us the best possible result in Munich.

You went to the Sydney 2000 Olympics for the 1500m-wheelchair race. What was that like and why didn’t you pursue it further?

Being apart of the games in 2000 was wonderful. I like to try/taste different experiences in life. My present flavour is rowing.

How does rowing compare to some of your other passions in terms of training requirements, technique, fitness and strength?

I’m calling upon all of these attributes to combine a complete package. The technique is very complex & my coach Pedro is working on all aspects of my rowing.

What’s harder, the Hawaiian Ironman or a rowing race?

Anyone who has lined up for the Hawaiian Ironman would know what it takes to be apart of the World Championships & driving yourself to cross the finish line. It took me 12hrs 21mins back in 1997. Rowing over 1 km in a single takes me around 5 mins & in the double 4.22 the effort equals the result.

What is Pedro like as a coach and how did you stumble across him?

I received a phone call in February from a friend Gary who has been involved in wheelchair sports for many years & he mentioned adaptive rowing will be included in the Paralympics for Beijing, so I went over to the lakes & introduced myself to Pedro & he has been working with me since then. Pedro is a fantastic coach he has such an eye for the sport. He has been given a lump of wood which he has crafted into a rower (I’m still learning) in a very short space of time. I cannot thank him enough for his insights.

Who do you think will be your biggest competition overseas?

The Americans have never been beaten over the distance, which to me is very exciting [anyone who wants to beat the Seppo’s (aka Americans) has our full support! ­—ed.].

Apparently you are not attending any of the World Cups with other members of the Senior A team. Why not?

Funding.

How do you approach a long campaign such as this one (mentally and physically)?

Believing.

What is your program like? Are you still training for other events?

My focus is rowing. I’m training 6 days a week twice a day either on the water, ergo, gym, physio, etc.

What do you hope to experience in Munich this year?

Winning.

What are you most worried about?

I’m excited

What are your short-term goals and what are your long term goals?

Short to win in Munich long to win in Beijing.

Tell us about your fundraising, and more importantly how the NSW rowing community can help.

I’m involved in fundraising for children who use wheelchairs in our country. The website is www.jmf.com.au, which is the best source. The main message is to get these kids to believe in themselves. Do you?

Verena Stocker

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